Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Having your mugshot published on a site like MoArrests.com can be devastating. These websites often exploit public records to profit from individuals’ pasts, regardless of whether charges were dropped or expunged. If you’re searching for ways to remove your photo and personal arrest details from MoArrests.com, you’re not alone.
Below is a step-by-step, up-to-date guide on how to permanently remove your arrest record from MoArrests.com in 2025.
What Is MoArrests.com and How Does It Work?
- 1 What Is MoArrests.com and How Does It Work?
- 2 Why Your Mugshot Might Still Be Visible
- 3 Legal Status of Mugshot Publication in Missouri
- 4 How Mugshots on MoArrests.com Harm Your Life
- 5 How to Remove Your Mugshot from MoArrests.com (2025 Tactics)
- 6 How Missouri Residents Can Leverage Expungement for Removal
- 7 Tips to Suppress Mugshots in Search Results
- 8 Why Mugshot Removal Is a Privacy Right
- 9 How Remove Arrest Can Help You
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
MoArrests.com is a mugshot publication platform that scrapes arrest data from Missouri law enforcement databases and county jail websites. It typically displays:
- Full name
- Booking photograph
- Arrest date
- Charges filed
- Bond information
The site’s purpose is not transparency or public safety; instead, it’s designed to attract search traffic and monetize through ads or removal fees.
Why Your Mugshot Might Still Be Visible
Even if your charges were dismissed or your record was expunged, MoArrests.com may still host your mugshot. This is because:
- They are not legally obligated to update or remove content.
- Expungements may not reach third-party websites automatically.
- Data can remain cached in search engines like Google for months.
Legal Status of Mugshot Publication in Missouri
Missouri is a public records state. That means mugshots and arrest records are generally considered public information. However, misuse of this data can cross into defamation, harassment, or invasion of privacy.
Key legal protections include:
- Missouri Sunshine Law: Grants public access to arrest records but doesn’t authorize private publication for profit.
- Expungement Law (Missouri Revised Statutes §610.140): Allows eligible individuals to clear their criminal history, which can provide leverage in takedown requests.
- Mugshot Website Lawsuits: Several mugshot websites have faced class-action lawsuits for extortion or privacy violations. Precedents may influence removal strategies.
Read more on Missouri’s expungement law directly from the Missouri Revisor of Statutes.
How Mugshots on MoArrests.com Harm Your Life
Beyond embarrassment, public mugshots can cause:
- Loss of employment or job offers
- Reputation damage with family or community
- Denial of housing or educational opportunities
- Harassment, bullying, and discrimination
Having your image tied to an arrest record—even if not convicted—can create a stigma that follows you indefinitely unless addressed.
How to Remove Your Mugshot from MoArrests.com (2025 Tactics)
1. Check for Expungement Eligibility
If your charges were dismissed or the case resulted in no conviction, you may be eligible for expungement. In Missouri:
- Most misdemeanors and some felonies can be expunged.
- A waiting period of 3-7 years may apply.
- You must file a petition with the court.
2. Request Removal Directly from the Website
Some mugshot websites offer a removal process if you can prove:
- The record was expunged or sealed.
- The arrest record is inaccurate or misleading.
Look for a “Contact Us” or “DMCA” page on MoArrests.com. Include your full name, arrest date, and supporting documentation.
Pro Tip: Take screenshots of the live page before contacting them. This preserves evidence in case legal action is required later.
3. File a DMCA Takedown Notice
If your mugshot appears in Google Image Search, a DMCA takedown notice can be filed with:
This is particularly effective if your image is being used without your permission.
4. Use Google’s “Outdated Content” Tool
Even if your mugshot is removed from MoArrests.com, it may still appear in search results. Request removal of cached versions:
5. Hire a Mugshot Removal Professional
If DIY attempts fail or feel overwhelming, services like Remove Arrest can:
- Contact website admins on your behalf
- Submit legal documentation and takedown requests
- Monitor for reposting of your content
Remove Arrest specializes in mugshot suppression, record sealing, and search engine content removal. Their confidential process ensures faster, more effective results.
How Missouri Residents Can Leverage Expungement for Removal
Missouri’s expungement law changed significantly in recent years. Here’s how you can use it to remove records from the web:
- File a petition for expungement in the jurisdiction where you were arrested.
- After expungement is granted, notify MoArrests.com with official court orders.
- Send the court order to search engines and third-party sites.
For legal guidance, consider reviewing the Missouri Bar’s expungement resources.
Tips to Suppress Mugshots in Search Results
Until the content is fully deleted, burying the negative search results can help. Techniques include:
- Creating or updating social profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, About.me)
- Launching personal blogs or websites with your name
- Publishing positive press or articles on PR platforms
Use strong SEO practices such as:
- Include your full name in titles and headers
- Add schema markup to personal websites
- Publish consistent, keyword-rich content
Over time, these efforts can push harmful links off page one of Google.
Why Mugshot Removal Is a Privacy Right
Even if an arrest was public record, your long-term reputation shouldn’t be permanently penalized. Mugshot publication, especially when monetized, often violates:
- Right to be forgotten
- Due process principles
- Privacy under the U.S. Constitution
Public perception is evolving. Some states, like California and New York, now prohibit the display of mugshots in search results unless a conviction occurred.
How Remove Arrest Can Help You
Remove Arrest is a trusted ally for individuals seeking mugshot removal from websites like MoArrests.com. Here’s what sets them apart:
- No upfront costs: Transparent pricing and refund guarantees
- Legal takedown experts: Deep understanding of privacy laws
- Reputation monitoring: Ongoing alerts for re-posted content
Contact Remove Arrest to start your mugshot removal process and reclaim your privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, but that doesn’t make their practices ethical or immune to legal challenges. Exploiting public records for profit may invite privacy lawsuits.
You may have legal standing if your expunged record remains posted or if the data is inaccurate. Consult with an attorney for case-specific guidance.
It can take 7-30 days for removals, depending on the method. Court orders may speed up the process.
Yes, unfortunately. Other websites may scrape and repost it. That’s why ongoing monitoring is key.
Yes. Arrest without conviction strengthens your legal grounds for removal.